AUSTIN – The goal of the Endangered Species Act (ESA) is recovery of endangered species. To explore efforts to delist species not threatened as endangered and discuss the lack of constitutional authority to regulated intrastate species under the ESA, the Texas Public Policy Foundation’s Center for the American Future will host the panel “Mission Accomplished!? What Should Happen After a Protected Species Under the Endangered Species Act Recovers” at the 14th Annual Policy Orientation for the Texas Legislature on Thursday, January 7, 2016 at 2:00 pm CST at the Hilton Austin Hotel in Meeting Room 616.
“Over the four decades of Endangered Species Act regulation, approximately 2,200 species have been listed for federal protection,” said Robert Henneke, director of the Center for the American Future at the Texas Public Policy Foundation. “During this period, only approximately 31 species have subsequently been delisted. Where the ESA’s stated purpose is ‘recovery,’ this statistic begs the question as to whether the ESA works or, if the federal regulation is successful in preventing extinction, why opposition exists to delisting when objective, scientific studies demonstrate a successful recovery."
Panelists include:
- The Honorable Susan Combs, Former Texas Comptroller
- William Perry Pendley, President, Mountain States Legal Foundation
- Adam Zerrenner, Field Supervisor, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
- The Honorable Robert Henneke, Director, Center for the American Future, Texas Public Policy Foundation (Moderator)
For over thirteen years, the Texas Public Policy Foundation’s Policy Orientation has been one of the nation’s top policy conferences, selling out each year while bringing together lawmakers, policy experts, and engaged citizens from across the political spectrum to discuss critical issues facing the Lone Star State and America. This year’s program includes more than 35 panel discussions and debates on the major issues affecting Texas’ future.
Members of the public and media who wish to attend may register and view the agenda at: www.PolicyOrientation.com
Keynote and plenary sessions will be livestreamed at: txpo.li/TPPFlive
The Honorable Robert Henneke is director of the Center for the American Future at the Texas Public Policy Foundation.
The Texas Public Policy Foundation is a non-profit, free-market research institute based in Austin, Texas.